Why Having a Will is Important
Everyone should have a will. If you die without a will (that is, you die “intestate”), the state of Texas will decide to whom your property is left under the statutory scheme for intestacy. Your estate will be distributed as the legislature has provided, not how you would like. With a will, you can leave your property to anyone or any entity, such as a charity, as you desire.
Perhaps the most important objective of a will is to provide for your loved ones if you should die. If you have minor children, you can name the guardian for the children in the will. You can also determine how you want your assets distributed. You can leave your Austin property to charity, to non-family members, and you can determine how your assets are split among your heirs – but only if you have a will.
If you think that perhaps your “estate” is not large enough to warrant a will, you may be wrong. Nearly everyone has some property, whether it be a home in Austin, a commercial piece of property, bank accounts, cars, jewelry, or books.
You should have a plan in place to account for that property if you should die, and that plan is put into effect by a will. And of course, even without a large estate, if you have minor children, you need a will to provide for them and to provide for a guardian.
The laws concerning wills are complex--you need an experienced wills and estates lawyer to help you draft, revise, or challenge a will. The Duke Firm in Austin has the experience and the skill to represent you efficiently and effectively in any matter dealing with wills.